Bill Clinton Hearts Libby Mitchell

Cue the Welcome Back Kotter music baby – I’m have returned.

And no sooner do I get settled into my new job, than of all people, President William Jefferson Clinton, dives into the Maine gubernatorial race.

Sure sure, I could talk to you about his endorsement and what it means – but I’d like to start with what I consider the “money quote” from the email he sent around:

Breaking through as a woman candidate is very hard. I know.

Magnificent.

Okay, back on track here.

President Clinton won Maine in 1992 with 38.77% of the vote, claiming victory in every county in the state but two (Piscataquis and Somerset, which were both won for Perot).  In 1996, Clinton was able to capture 51.62% of the vote, handily defeating Dole and Perot in every county.

Still, while Clinton is a popular figure in Maine, his power is somewhat questionable.  From an electoral standpoint, it is difficult to judge how much he resonates for real, because the 1992 election was more about George H.W. Bush, the failing economy, and the populism of Ross Perot than it was about Clinton and his saxophone, and his 1996 election was against, well, Bob Dole.

At the same time, however, we are talking about a Democratic primary fight here, not a state wide general election, so what really matters is Clinton’s popularity among Maine Democrats, which is of course, very substantial.

The appeal itself heaps praise on Mitchell personally, and closes with an appeal for $5 clean election funds.

The underlying reason for Mitchell whipping out Bubba now, is not politically strategic.  In other words, her releasing the endorsement now, rather than later on in the primary when it may prove to be more decisive and helpful is about something entirely different – money, and ballot access.

I will have more on this later this afternoon, after I move my office down the hall.  Stay tuned.